4-star DL Dominic Kirks commits to Ohio State

Painesville (Ohio) Riverside four-star defensive lineman Dominic Kirks has committed to Ohio State.

Kirks had previously been committed to Washington since June, but decommitted on Friday night following the news of head coach Kalen DeBoer’s departure for Alabama.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder’s recruitment had already been picking up steam toward the end of 2023, as USC and Ohio State both got involved. Kirks opted not to sign during the December signing period and will now sign with the Buckeyes next month.

“I am an Ohio kid and I love my state, so I get to stay close to home and play for Ohio State,” Kirks told On3. “Ohio State has that brotherhood. I am a big family guy and they treat their players with tough love and care. That is what I am looking for.

“I am about development, competitiveness and family. I will get that at Ohio State. Ohio State is a great fit for me.”

Kirks is excited about playing and learning from Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson‘s resume factored in to Kirk’s decision as well. The two started talking years ago. The relationship is organic and it grew steadily over time. Who Johnson is had an impact on Kirks.

“Coach Johnson is that guy. He did a great job with me. He has talked to me about the fit, the work I need to put in and he has been completely transparent. Coach Johnson is not just a coach. He is a teacher too. He is about family and he wants to pour into his players.

“I love that he expects so much. I know Coach Johnson will develop me on and off the field. He will teach me so many life lessons. Coach Johnson has experience, he has wisdom and I cannot wait to learn from him.”

He is the No. 227 overall prospect and No. 25 DL in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in Ohio.

Kirks gives Buckeyes final piece to cap off elite 2024 class

Ohio State signed 20 prospects in December — culminating in the No. 5 class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The addition of Kirks would be welcomed, as the Buckeyes lost Chicago St. Ignatius five-star DL Justin Scott in a flip to Miami late in the cycle. He joins Buford (Ga.) five-star EDGE Eddrick Houston and Stafford (Va.) Mountain View three-star DL Eric Mensah as the only defensive linemen in the OSU class.

Eight top-150 prospects highlight another outstanding haul for Ryan Day and Co., however. Headlining the class, of course, is Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 overall prospect in the country.

Elite talent is littered throughout the class. Springfield (Ohio) five-star Aaron Scott and Cleveland Glenville four-star Bryce West are the No. 3 and No. 8 cornerbacks in the cycle, respectively. Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes four-star quarterback Air Noland is the No. 5 signal-caller, while the likes of San Antonio Veterans Memorial four-star running back James Peoples, Sunbury (Ohio) Big Walnut four-star linebacker Garrett Stover and New Palestine (Ind.) four-star IOL Ian Moore are all top-10 players at their positions.